Stark Naked’s MACBETH is Largely Forgettable Production

I adore Kim Tobin-Lehl and Philip Lehl, our very own Lunt/Fontanne, who first created Brave Dog Players until their partners, another husband/wife team, pulled out. The Lehls picked up the pieces and created Stark Naked Theatre, which has virtually taken Houston by storm with its winning and memorable productions. Stark Naked’s latest production, Macbeth, which opened on Friday evening, is the first disappointing production that Stark Naked has produced thus far. It is with a heavy heart that I pen a not so positive review of Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s darkest and most powerful tragedies. To me, the biggest problem with Stark Naked’s production is that the director, Kevin Holden, chose to make Macbeth’s journey a minimalist piece of theatre. The set is minimalist, the costumes are business suits and are, therefore, rather minimal. Macbeth can be a bloody masterpiece and we look forward to that aspect of the play but, here, there is no blood until Macbeth’s murder. I get this but it doesn’t really work. I believe we need to see blood and lots of it for the play to take on the characteristics of a true blood-letting through and through.

L-R David Matranga as Macduff, Philip Lehl as Macbeth (Photo by Gabriella Nissen)

Kevin Holden‘s direction is so minimal and sparse that we have only the actors and their voices to take us into the darkness of Macbeth. Oh, there is some excellent acting in this Macbeth because Mr. Holden has cast some of the best actors in town to carry this bloodlust.

Philip Lehl, whom I never thought I would question as an actor, is rather whiney-voiced and unsubstantial here as Macbeth. What happened to the bombastic, commanding, and remarkable voice of a man convinced that murder is the only way to achieve and to keep power? I found his Macbeth to be weak and rather forgettable, characteristics that I usually do not associate with the great Philip Lehl.

Kim Tobin-Lehl as Lady Macbeth (Photo: Gabriella Nissen)

Kim Tobin-Lehl is eerie and excellent as Lady Macbeth and I was totally on board with her character choices until she resorted to using a heavy New York accent from time to time. The accent blew my suspension of disbelief.

David Matranga makes his Macduff a powerful force to be reckoned with.

Jeff McMorrough took me by surprise as Banquo and is excellent as Seyton.

Jack Dunlop is amazing as a triple threat playing Duncan, a Clergyman, and a Doctor.

Matt Hune as Malcolm is riveting.

Matt Lents is very good as Donalbain and a Murderer.

Elissa Levitt is superb as Lennox.

Bobby Haworth is exceptional as Ross and a Murderer.

Mark Roberts is outstanding as the Sergeant and a Porter.

Susan Draper is excellent as the First Witch, Lady Macduff, and others.

Amy Garner Buchanan is notable as the Second Witch and several other roles.

Regina Ohashi is fine as the Third Witch and several other roles.

Set design by Jodi Bobrovsky, unfortunately, is not one of my favorite sets of the season. She has included an upper platform with steps without a rail or bannister that are no more than a foot and a half wide descending to the floor. Every time Macbeth or Lady Macbeth navigated these treacherous stairs, I was afraid that one misstep could easily end in a real life tragedy.

David Gipson‘s lighting design is captivating with washes of green and blue. The water basin where Lady Macbeth washes the blood from her hands is cleverly lit from below to create a most enticing and enthralling effect.

Costumer James McDaniel must have liked the Men in Black series because most of the cast looks like they are from those films with their tailored suits.

Sound design by Michael Mullins is first-rate.

Macbeth is playing through June 22 at Studio 101 at Spring Street Studios at 1824 Spring Street.